Wound closure using a skin stretching device.

Abstract

The recent development of an indexed tissue advancement system makes it possible to take advantage of the viscoelastic properties of skin to close large wound deficits in one procedure. A case is presented in which serial excision of a previous split-thickness skin graft and tissue expansion to achieve wound coverage were performed in one sitting to close an 8cm defect on the lateral side of the patient's leg without subsequent wound separation or dehiscence.